The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has announced plans to expand the bridge over River Ngarenaro near Nyahururu Town in a move aimed at improving safety for road users along the Ol Kalou-Nyahururu highway.

🇰🇪 Breaking It Down

During a visit to the bridge on May 19, KeNHA Board Chairperson Winfrida Ngumi said procurement for the project is expected to be completed within three months, after which construction works will commence.

She explained that the expansion will include the construction of footbridges on both sides of the road, as well as additional space for pedestrians and boda boda operators to safely use the bridge.

“Within the next three months, we will complete procurement of this bridge to build footbridges on both sides of the road and expand space for pedestrians and non-motorised traffic, ensuring the safety of children who use the bridge and providing boda bodas with space to utilise the bridge safely,” Ngumi said.

📌 What You Need to Know

For more than four years, residents have flagged the bridge, which sits on the boundary between Nyandarua and Laikipia counties, as a dangerous crossing point due to limited space for pedestrians and non-motorised traffic, citing frequent accidents along the busy stretch.

Peter Kihara, a resident of Igwamiti, said children often struggle to cross safely and, in some cases, fall into the river due to the absence of a proper walkway.

School children recounted difficulties experienced when crossing the road, saying they are often forced to wait for vehicles to clear due to blind spots and limited crossing space.

Njoroge Kimita, a resident of Gatimu, added that the bridge has witnessed multiple accidents over the years, some of them fatal, and called for urgent action to prevent further loss of life.

“For many years, we have had issues with this bridge that is at Ol Kalou-Nyahururu highway, and we have been requesting KeNHA to construct a footpath for us because we have lost lives, we have had fatal accidents, we have had serious injuries,” he said

He noted that the situation is particularly dangerous during peak morning hours when traffic is heaviest for both pedestrians and motorists.

📰 Source: Kenyans.co.ke